International Criminal Court Issues Arrest Warrants for Israeli Officials and Hamas Leader
ICC Issues Warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant, and Deif
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas’s military chief Mohammed Deif. The warrants were issued for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in Gaza.
Background
The ICC’s decision comes after Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan requested the court issue arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant in May. Khan also sought warrants against top Hamas leaders, including Deif, on suspicion of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Netanyahu Sacks Gallant
In a surprise move, Netanyahu sacked Gallant as Defense Minister on November 5. The development came as the ICC was deliberating on the warrants.
Hamas Denies Deif’s Death
According to Israel, Deif was killed by a strike on July 13 in southern Gaza. However, Hamas denies that Deif is dead, stating that he is still alive and leading the resistance against Israel.
The War in Gaza
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has been ongoing since October 7, 2023, with the deadliest attack in Israeli history triggering the war. The war has resulted in the deaths of 1,206 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.
Casualties and Wounded
The Hamas government’s health ministry in the Gaza Strip has reported that at least 44,056 people have been killed in the war, including 71 deaths in the previous 24 hours. A total of 104,268 people have been wounded in the Gaza Strip since the war began.
Conclusion
The ICC’s decision to issue arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant, and Deif marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The warrants are a step towards holding those responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity accountable.
FAQs
Q: Why were the warrants classified as “secret”?
A: The warrants were classified as “secret” to protect witnesses and to safeguard the conduct of the investigations.
Q: Why did the ICC release the information about the warrants?
A: The ICC released the information because conduct similar to that addressed in the warrant of arrest appears to be ongoing, and it is in the interest of victims and their families that they are made aware of the warrants’ existence.
Q: What are the next steps for the ICC?
A: The ICC will continue to investigate and prosecute those responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.